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Clippers Slack Chat: Kawhi Leonard resting shouldn’t upset everyone

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Kawhi Leonard #2, and Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 6: Kawhi Leonard #2, and Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 5: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers looks on against the Charlotte Hornets on February 5, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 5: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers looks on against the Charlotte Hornets on February 5, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The team’s responsibility

Ryan: And I asked you this earlier, but does the team owe it to the fans to be completely upfront in regards to something like a player’s health? Are they being irresponsible to people buying tickets or helping those who want to see the team succeed later on?

Seth: I mean, you can be both right? Full disclaimer, I’m all the way in favor of Kawhi taking off the games he needs to. I am not anti load management.

But why not say something like “Until we’re sure Kawhi is healthy enough to play a full schedule, we’ll be limiting him on back to back games going forward.”

Cannon: I can understand how some will be disappointed, but I hope everyone understands it’s for the greater good.

Seth: Then you don’t get people who bought tickets to see Kawhi vs Giannis and are disappointed.

Ryan: Do you see the NBA addressing this then? They know it upsets the general population, especially those just tuning in on a random Wednesday. Should they be working to eliminate back-to-backs? The Clippers only have two games this week. They are back-to-back on national television. What’s the point in doing that?

Seth: Yes, I think they should. It’ll never happen because of money, but cut the number of games and eliminate back to backs.

Ryan: Maybe they eliminate them in favor of doing something else? I’ve seen people ask for a mid-season tournament of some sort. Not sure of how the logistics work, but you could make up your extra money there. On a related note, some people don’t think eliminating back-to-backs would even work due to how the league is viewed. Do you agree?

Cannon: I’m not for reducing the number of games, and I doubt the owners are either. But, I do think they should start the season earlier.

Seth: Not really, but just because I don’t really buy into the point of pride argument. These dudes want to be healthy and not end up blowing out every tendon they have. I don’t think that’s cause they have less pride in their game, or anything like that.

Ryan: Right. I think Kawhi would love to be able to play. I mean, the dude just loves hooping. But he also has addressed the fact that these are essentially 82 practices for him. Who cares about missing a couple of practices?

Cannon: Allen Iverson doesn’t.

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